After having tried the Gill gear in the 2010 Sydney to Hobart I had no hesitation in using it for the crew in the record attempt

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Save Our Seas Ocean Racing and Gill Australia are pleased to announce that all the crew in the Around Australia World Record sailing attempt will be wearing the complete range of Gill technical clothing. The record attempt will be on board the iconic Australian maxi-yacht Brindabella and will take place in early May 2011.

‘It is so important that we have the best gear available. After having tried the Gill gear in the 2010 Sydney to Hobart I had no hesitation in using it for the crew in the record attempt. I wore the Gill offshore jacket and trousers and the pro gloves and when other crew were complaining of water getting in, my gear was still beading the water off. I stayed dry and warm even through the tough conditions of Bass Strait.’ Save Our Seas founder Ian Thomson.

Having sailed around Australia last year and having broken the solo record by over 26 days whilst doing so, Ian is fully aware of the weather the crew are going to experience. ‘It is unlike any other sailing race or adventure in the world. In the space of 30 days we are going to go from the mild temperatures in Sydney, up into the tropics with temperatures in excess of 30 degrees and tropical storms in the afternoon. Then down the west coast the weather will turn colder and we will see winds on the nose so keeping dry and warm will be essential in making the passage fast and safe. Then we have the southern ocean in all its glory close to winter time. I don't need to explain what the southern ocean can throw at you. And finally you finish with a reverse of the Sydney to Hobart, just in cooler months. So our gear needs to be suitable for all conditions. I am confident our range of Gill gear will do that.’

During the recent crew selection trials, all sailors wore the latest Race Tech tops which are made from 100% recycled polyester. It is extremely positive to see a company like Gill using recycled materials and the feedback from the crew was very complimentary as to the comfort in varying temperatures. The fact that the tops are UV50 rated is another important benefit as this crew race round Australia.

‘We are very happy to be involved with the Around Australia Record attempt and Save Our Seas campaign. We have watched Ian over the last year enthusiastically spreading the message against plastics in our oceans and it is a very worthwhile cause. As sailors we all have a responsibility to make sure the oceans and waterways we sail on are kept in pristine condition. Gill also has a commitment to help keeping the environment clean. We are now using recycled fabrics in some of our technical shirts so for us to be involved with Save Our Seas was an easy decision. We wish Ian and the team the best for the upcoming record attempt.’ Paul Schulz, Gill Australia

In addition to supplying all the latest wet weather gear and shirts, Gill are allowing you to support the Save Our Seas efforts to reduce the number of plastic bags and plastics going into our ocean buy buying your Gill gear online at the SOS Ocean Racing website - www.sosoceanracing.com. The new web store has the same gear that the crew will use in their attempt to break the world record. Every time you make a purchase through the SOS website, profits will go towards educating the next generation as Ian travels around to schools conducting talks to primary schools on the damage that plastic bags cause.

Gill Australia have a fantastic range of gear for all types of sailing